Sandra Ohs Uk stage debut proves successful as we follow the killing Eve stars’ character ‘Alice’ through her testing journey. Portrayed as a misanthrope from the start of the play, her gender flipped character provides a truly astonishing performance. Her representation of the outspoken cynical novelist battles the blurred lines between her belief in her social responsibility of honesty and what is simply cruelty; at what point does honesty remain admirable when society critiques you?
“sometimes I dream of a clean white space entirely disinfected from the human race”
Exploring themes of cancel culture, the anti-hero Alice defies and critiques societal norms and gender conventions throughout the play. Her satirized persona is criticised constantly through other characters as they deem her extreme and disagreeable. Her opinions notably established towards the start of the play as she states “sometimes I dream of a clean white space entirely disinfected from the human race”; a morbid yet brutally honest take at that.
Even so, Sandra Ohs Uk stage debut proves successful as the killing Eve stars’ character is seemingly still likeable, despite her characters flaws. The description of a “misanthrope” even seems exaggerated at times. Its noted and expressed by herself that she has strong distain for others, yet her close friends, relationships and even boyfriend’s ex-wife, Elaine, to an extent are shown glimpses of warmth from her, adding dimension and complexity to her character.
the play leaves you debating the balance between humility and honesty.
Ultimately the play worked well as a social commentary, finishing with a haunting end sequence, as Crimp seems to finally be making his point clear. In the end, the play leaves you debating the balance between humility and honesty.
The Misanthrope comes to cinemas from 22 September with National Theatre Live. Find your tickets at ntlive.com.